In the midst of Davao’s busy streets, the small spaces of the Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) Marfori Community Organic Garden at Marfori Subdivision, have been transformed into flourishing plots of greens, offering Dabawenyos a refreshing way to reconnect and discover the joys of organic urban gardening.
Jeana M. Ablen, Acting CAgrO Municipal Agricultural Officer of Talomo, Poblacion, and Agdao Districts, told the City Information Office (CIO) that the organic garden is a proof that even in crowded areas, Dabawenyos can still cultivate fresh and organic produce at their homes.
“Kini nga garden nagpakita ni sa pamaagi sa pag tanom sa urban nga set-up. Pwede ta makakita og daghan nga klase klase nga gulay nga pwede mutubo sa lugar sa urban areas. Ang pag tanom nga gigamitan og mag recyclable material pati pod sa pamaagi nga pwede ta mutanom diay og mga gulay sa mga gagmay nga espasyo (This garden demonstrates the method of planting in an urban setup. We can see many different types of vegetables that can grow in urban areas. The method of planting using recyclable materials allows us to grow vegetables in small spaces),” she said.
The community organic garden, Ablen emphasized, is purely organic ensuring that every harvest is clean, safe, and free from synthetic chemicals.
Visitors can also find a rich variety of thriving crops, including vegetables like eggplants, okra, cabbage, spinach, and bottle gourd (upo), alongside chili peppers and aromatic herbs like tarragon.
She added that the garden not only provides fresh vegetables but also peace of mind, assuring visitors that the produce they bring home to their families is naturally grown and healthy.
“Diria sa marfori garden, pwede ta diria maka adto aron maka relax ug maka toun kay andam ang atoang mga kaubanan nga mu tudlo kung kinsa tung mga interesado nga mutoon sa pag tanom, pag harvest, ug pag atiman sa mga gulay. Aduna pod ta diri nga mga ready to plant na mga seedlings nga pwede rapod gyud sila makatoon unsaon pag pa tubo sa seedling. Kita pod, makapanghatag og ready to plant nga mga seedlings sa mga interesado na mag tanom (Here at Marfori Garden, we can relax and learn because our companions are ready to teach those who are interested in learning how to plant, harvest, and take care of the vegetables. We also have ready to plant seedlings here, which they can learn how to grow. We can also provide ready to plant seedlings to those interested in planting),” she added.
By replicating this initiative, Dabawenyos can enjoy fresh, safe, and purely organic produce while reducing household expenses and contribute to the city’s food production.
“Diria sa urban area, daghan kaayo og tao pero wala kaayo mu involve sa food production. So, sa pag tanom nato og gulay dinha sa atoang tugkaran or dinha sa atoang palibot, isa na sa mga pamaagi nga naka contribute sa food production. At the same time, maka kunhod ta sa atoang gastos sa pag pamalit og gulay ug makapaayo pod ni siya sa atoang mental health (There are a lot of people in the urban area, but very few are involved in food production. So, by planting vegetables in our backyard or around our surroundings, it is one of the ways that we can contribute to food production. At the same time, we can reduce our expenses on buying vegetables and improve our mental health),” she said.
The Marfori Community Organic garden is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and visitors are encouraged to inform the office ahead of time so staff can prepare and guide them on the specific lessons or activities they wish to experience during their stay.
“Ikalipay namo og dako nga kamo amoang alagaran tungod kay kini para man sa tanan katawhan. Ilabi na kato sa mga nagapuyo sa urban areas aron maka toun gyud ta og unsaon pag tanom sa mga gulay (We are very happy to serve you because this is for all the people. Especially for those living in urban areas so that we can learn how to grow vegetables),” Ablen added.
Interested individuals may reach out and schedule their visit through the official Facebook page of CAgrO: https://www.facebook.com/cityagridavao. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal